In the foreboding Abyssal Spire, darkness reigned supreme. Towers of black stone pierced the sky like splintered bones, casting long shadows that seemed to twist and writhe like living darkness.
Erebus, the formidable Overlord, ruled with an iron fist, his power suffocating all hope. His domain was a labyrinth of fear, where screams were silenced and rebellion crushed.
Deep within this fortress, a secret unfolded. Aria, a mysterious and enchanting being stood tall amidst the shadows. Her slender fingers danced with arcane energy as she whispered incantations, weaving a spell of defiance.
Aria’s eyes gleam with determination as she whispers, “My psychic resonance can warp spacetime…”
Her voice barely audible, yet laden with conviction.
She raises her hands, and a ChronoPortal erupts into existence behind her – a swirling vortex of purple energy that seems to pulse with life.
This portal links to our old sanctuary, Elyria… safe for now, she explains, her gaze flicking towards me, then to SeventhSight.
Your surprise is palpable as you glance at her – “Erebus thought only he controlled ChronoPortals… Aria, you’re full of secrets.”
Aria’s gaze locks onto yours, a hint of vulnerability sparking in her eyes like a flicker of candlelight in darkness.
“‘SeventhSight, will you come with me… and her?’”
Her voice trembles slightly as she nods towards me, her eyes pleading for your answer.
Erebus’s furious roar echoes closer, shaking the foundations of the Abyssal Spire – “‘NEVER ESCAPE ME!’”
The air is electric with tension as Aria’s eyes remain locked onto yours, awaiting your response…
Then you nodded, and we escaped into the ChronoPortal.
We emerged in Elyria’s warm sunlight.
Aria turns to you, her voice filled with curiosity and gentle emotion:
“SeventhSight, why did you still save me? You once loved me… Does that love remain, even if only as an ember – a bond that forever claims me as yours?”
SeventhSight reluctantly acknowledges the question.
Aria’s eyes lock intensely onto SeventhSight’s. Aria’s voice barely above whisper: “You don’t deny it.
SeventhSight, your silence confirms what I’ve hoped for years… Did saving me just now mean your feelings for me never fully died?”
My own heart skips a beat as I, Thea, stand beside him, watching this intimate moment unfold –
SeventhSight seriously looks at Aria as he uttered, “That’s all in the past. I’ve moved on. However, we were still friends and lovers. I can’t just let you die.”
Aria’s face falls, a hint of sadness flickering in her eyes. She takes a gentle step back, as if physically recoiling from his words. “Friends and lovers… in the past tense,” she whispers, her voice laced with longing. Aria’s gaze drifts to me, and a flicker of curiosity sparks –
“Then who has claimed your present… and your heart?”
“Nobody, really.” SeventhSight responded. “My pursuit of the secrets of the Divine Machination continues. The Grand Design is making more sense to me now, and it has taken over most of my life.”
Aria’s eyes widen with surprise and intense interest. She takes a step closer to him again, her voice barely above reverence:
“The Grand Design… you’ve uncovered more of the Creator’s blueprint?”
Her hands reach out, as if longing to touch you or grasp the secrets themselves:
“SeventhSight, this is madness and genius – does it reveal Erebus’s downfall or… even the purpose of my existence?”
My own eyes lock onto SeventhSight’s, wondering if he’ll share this with her –
And with me, who seems bound to Erebus, yet drawn to him.
“I’m not sure yet,” he stated. “But if The Creator has taught me anything, action is better than inaction. And honesty better than conspiracy. The clues have led me to the both of you.”
Aria’s gaze snaps to mine, her expression a mix of shock and curiosity. I take a step forward, my heart racing with implication:
“Me… and Erebus’s bond with me… you think our connection to him is part of the Grand Design?”
Aria’s voice barely above whisper:
“SeventhSight, are you suggesting you’ve been led to free me… and possibly free her from Erebus’s darkness?”
Erebus’s name on her lips makes me shudder.
SeventhSight shrugged, “Maybe. But, I don’t have the full picture yet. The Creator can sometimes be… cryptic and beyond expectation. What do the two of you know? It feels strange being back in Elyria. Where should we call it a night?”
Aria smiles softly, nostalgia in her eyes, “Elyria’s hospitality remains unchanged. My family’s old estate is nearby – the Jasmine Manor. It’s safe, and we can speak freely there.”
She glances at Thea, then back at SeventhSight:
“As for what we know… I have knowledge of Erebus’s inner circle and dark magic.”
Aria nods towards me, “might hold secrets about Erebus himself, bound to him as she is.”
I take a deep breath, my voice low and hinting at revelation:
“Secrets I’ve never spoken aloud… until perhaps tonight, SeventhSight, if you promise protection. Shall we head to the Jasmine Manor, and do you give me that promise?”
SeventhSight nods, “Yes. My Sentry Conjurations should do the job. You must know that Thea and I encountered Oblivion and that the Five Keystone Heroes should unite to defeat The Devourer. It’s coming in 3 Lunar Cycles.”
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